350B rear crossmember bolts

[gene s]

Want to finish up brake job today. I switched finals from one side to the other because of stipped holes. I called Deere to get some new bolts that attach rear crossbar to finals. Each side calls for 2 standard 3/4" bolts & 2 Special 3/4 bolts. Found out that Deere wants $56.00 each for these special bolts.
When I took it apart I only found 1 of these bolts used, rest were standard
bolts. Here are my questions: What is the reasoning for the special bolts
& is it ok to not use them.

[CatD8RII]

Hi

I think there should be 2 bolts on each side of the machine. They are positioned diagonally apart from one another on each side. My understanding is that they help align the crossbar caps to each other and to receive the crossbar. I'm sure you've noticed the raised part of the bolt fits much tighter in the crossbar brackets than the regular bolts. Deere could have gotten away using a spacer or bushing, but at least they're still available at all.

[LeonardL]

Before you spend 56 bucks on new ones... I think I have a couple of these bolts select used if you are interested. I'll be a bunch cheaper than 56 bucks!!! That's just plum stupid!!!!

Andy is right about them being for alignment... They also go in Diagonally. I don't recall exactly which holes but you will have one to the inside of the frame and one on the outside.
They can be a little tedious to get in place and you will need to have a jack at the back of the final drive to raise and lower it.

Let me know if you are interested in these bolts I have.

[gene s]

Thanks to Leonard for the bolts. They are perfect. Now that I really looked at the bolts and where they are positioned I understand Deeres reasoning for using these special bolts. They need to be used, without them I can see that the load they are to support wouldn't be done properly. I think the mechanic who previously repaired this unit caused some of the broke bolt and stripped holes problems I had by not using them.